Prep Time: 25 min.

Chocolate strawberry roses are a surprisingly simple way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. All you need are a few strawberries, dark chocolate, and fresh basil, and you can have an impressive treat ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!

Not a fan of chocolate? Try plain strawberry roses instead. Or, go the savory route with an avocado rose appetizer!

I first made strawberry roses with chocolate as a fun Valentine’s Day treat for my kids. However, now, I use them as a last-minute dessert to elevate any special occasion or holiday platter. 

With bold, fruity flavors, rich chocolate, and a pop of bright flavor, they’re loved by kids and adults alike! Plus, with a few simple steps, they’re unbelievably easy to make yet always look impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

• Fresh strawberries – Use medium to large berries that are firm and not overly ripe. If they’re mushy at all, they won’t hold the strawberry shape!

• Dark chocolate – I prefer at least 70% dark chocolate to contrast the sweetness of the berries, but you can use any kind you like best.

• Fresh basil leaves – Used as decoration, these replicate leaves on a rose stem and add a pop of bright, refreshing flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Roses

1. Prep the strawberries. Cut the base off each strawberry so it can sit flat and adhere to the melted chocolate.

2. Carve the petals. Trim four petals on each side of your strawberries, making sure to leave the bottom ⅓ intact. Then, slice four more petals between the original petals for a layered rose look. To finish, cut a small V-shape at the tip of the berry.

3. Form the base. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler, being careful not to let it burn. Then, spoon small discs onto parchment paper.

4. Assemble.  Pat the bases of the berries dry, and press one berry into the center of each chocolate disc. Add a fresh basil leaf to each berry. Work quickly so that the chocolate doesn’t dry!

Possible Variations

• Whipped cream - They’re great on their own, but I love these tasty berries with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

• Chocolate – Use white chocolate or milk chocolate in place of the dark chocolate. Or, use a combination for different tastes.

• Add ins - Stir a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or espresso powder into the melted chocolate for extra depth.

• Toppings - Add a sprinkle of flaky salt, chopped pistachios, pecans, almonds, coconut flakes, sprinkles, or edible glitter to each rose before the chocolate sets.

FAQs

Can I make chocolate strawberry roses ahead of time?

This recipe is best served right away, but you can store the roses for 1 day in an airtight container.

How should I serve this recipe?

You can easily enjoy these roses on their own as a treat alongside a glass of champagne or espresso. You can also top them onto a dessert platter with other sweets such as marshmallow roses and white chocolate hearts. Or, use them as cake toppers for a bakery-worthy appearance!

More Strawberry Desserts

• Strawberry Chocolate Hearts

• Strawberry Snickers Treat

Flower Chocolate Lollipops

• Baby Strawberry Turtles

Ingredients

Instructions

Makes 10.

1. Cut the base off the strawberries.

2. Using a small knife, trim four petals on each side of the strawberry from the middle towards the base, slicing slightly inwards and leaving the bottom ⅓ intact.

3. Make four petals between each of the outer ones.

4. Cut a v-shape on the top of each berry.

5. Melt the dark chocolate.

6. Spoon the chocolate in a round disc onto parchment paper.

7. Dry the base of the strawberries on a kitchen towel (this will ensure the chocolate will stick).

8. Top the chocolate disc with the strawberry roses and allow to set.

9. Decorate with a mint or basil leaf.

10. Serve as is or with whipped cream.

Did you make and enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to tag @foodbites in your recreations on Instagram!